Margaret Willey

I have developed a video-conference for older students that emphasizes the link between creative writing and science, specifically Lepidoptery (the study of moths and butterflies) and environmental and natural science (creation of a protected ecosystem).
During this 1 hour program, I briefly relay the plot of my novel for young adults, A SUMMER OF SILK MOTHS, describing the process of writing the book and creating the four main characters, each of whom becomes fascinated with giant silk moths, their life cycle and habitat. I also focus on the special challenges of creating a character who is a young scientist, obsessed with silk moths and committed to creating a nature center out of an inherited piece of property on the St. Joseph River in southwestern Michigan.
The above takes roughly 25 minutes, after which I take questions from the students about the novel, the process and profession of writing and any other questions they might have.

Please note that it is not necessary for students to read the novel in order to participate in the program.

This program is currently being offered as an ASK video conferencing program. Schools may sign up for a program to take place on March 20, 2012.
To contact ASK and schedule your class or classes for this program, click on the link here and then click on Projects and select ASK.


To schedule a program at another time, please go to my contact page and contact me directly. If you are interested in scheduling an actual visit to your high school or middle school, please contact me directly.